Unexpected Setback for Atlético de Madrid at Home Against Celta de Vigo in a Match Marked by the Numerical Inferiority of the Red-and-White Team. It was an important day, as Real Madrid had stumbled in their visit to Osasuna, and it was a golden opportunity to regain the lead alone. It was not an easy afternoon at all, as Pablo Barrios would once again be one of the clearly pointed out after a serious mistake that would lead him to the locker room earlier than expected.
The Red-and-White Team stoically resisted for 90 minutes, managing to equalize the initial goal scored by Iago Aspas from the penalty spot. The final feeling among the fans was very bittersweet, and everyone agreed that the youth player's mistake could not be overlooked in a key duel. It should be remembered that he already made a very similar mistake in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen, although that night everything would end in a better way.
Simeone Talks About Pablo Barrios's Mistake
All the analysis of yesterday's draw for Atlético de Madrid must begin with the expulsion of Pablo Barrios in the fifth minute of the match, something very decisive. Just like against Bayer Leverkusen, the Spanish international went too forcefully for a divided ball and ended up hitting the opponent's leg with his studs. The referee, although he was bothered, had to go to the monitor to review the play and ended up expelling him too soon.
Already in the press conference, Simeone admitted that the play deserved the expulsion and that any issue they need to address will be done inside the locker room. However, some fans have been harsher through social media, reproaching the footballer for his mistake and showing a feeling of disappointment. The Red-and-White Team had a great opportunity to regain the top of the standings after Real Madrid's draw against Osasuna, but they did not take advantage of the occasion.
Resistance with Little Reward
Considering the context of the match, it is normal that many have been satisfied after the draw, a result that was not easy. Alexander Sorloth equalized the contest with less than 10 minutes to the final whistle, at which point Celta de Vigo began to sit back to defend the result. The Red-and-White Team had some chances, all of them stopped by Guaita without much trouble, showing a lot of ambition.
Obviously, it was not easy to plan an almost entire match with one less player on the field, but Simeone applauded his team's attitude. In normal contexts, it would have been a match where the obligation to win would have turned a draw into disappointment. However, Atlético de Madrid remains in the fight and can take several positive notes from a clash with many obstacles.